J-L volleyball team avenges District loss

INDIAN RIVER — The Johannesburg-Lewiston volleyball team had an avenging performance Tuesday when it defeated Inland Lakes in straight games, 25-23, 25-19 and 25-19.

The previous meeting for the two Ski Valley Conference foes came last November when the Bulldogs defeated the Cardinals in the Class C District Finals.

“We had some ugly moments in this match, but the team pulled together at the right time,” said J-L coach Kristine Peppin.

J-L led by as much as 19-9 in the first game, thanks in part to a four-point run by Julia Nieman, but Inland Lakes stormed back to get within one point, 20-19.

It was tied at 23 when Brittany Cherwinski slammed down a booming kill, and Katelyn Weaver followed up with an ace to win the set.

In game two, the teams traded points after a slow start saw the Cardinals down 6-3. Three straight points by Abby Schlicher later put J-L up for good at 13-9, and the game ended with a Schlicher kill and ace.

“Hailey Weaver also had some nice play at the net defensively, keeping the top hitter from the other team from getting very much accomplished,” Peppin said.

In game three, Katelyn Weaver served five straight points to put J-L up 14-9 and put up some excellent blocking.

“Hannah Huff played tremendous defense,” Peppin said. “She collected 11 of her team-high 21 digs in that game and some well-placed kills.”

Top servers on the day were Katelyn Weaver with nine points and a team-high four aces. Cherwinski and Nieman each served for eight points, and Nickert added seven points.

Cherwinski led the offense with nine kills, while Huff and Schlicher were also top contributors. Julia Nieman continued to showcase her setting ability, collecting 23 assists.

“I knew this was going to be a good match,” Peppin. “I had no illusions that Inland Lakes was just going to hand us the game. They have a couple of nice hitters, and I knew we were going to have to come ready to go and really work our offense.

“After last year’s loss in Districts, we were definitely hungry for the ‘W.’ We needed this victory to stay in contention in the Ski Valley Conference, and we pulled it out. We are now eagerly anticipating our league game against Onaway in two weeks as we battle it out for the top positions in the conference with Pellston, Forest Area and Onaway.”